Last Friday we talked about how to choose a bathing suit for your body shape. For the second part of that article, it’s time to shop for that perfect bathing suit. I’ll help you find cute and affordable swimwear options for each of the four body types.
For this article, I’ve focused on bikinis only. Why? Because they are not only one of the most versatile swimwear styles, but they are also very classic. While the trendy monokini or tankini may go in and out of style, a cute bikini is always in style. It’s an investment that will last you at least a few summers.
Here are some of my picks for cute bikinis that will flatter your figure and won’t cost a fortune.
Hourglass Body Shape
Ladies with hourglass body shapes can luckily pull off nearly any bikini look. Hourglass figures need to be careful of “mix and match”, though! When you have a well-proportioned body, a mismatched bikini can make you look disproportional – just what you don’t want.
Here are some cute and affordable bikinis that will flatter most hourglass figures:
Product Information (left to right): Heart Print Bikini ($50) – TopShop, Halter Bikini Top ($12.50) and Mix-and-Match Bottom ($12.50) – oldnavy.com, Billabong Eve Triangle Top ($42) and June Side Tie Bottom ($38) – Pacsun.com, Cocoa Stripe Halter Top ($9.99) and Lowrider Bikini ($9.99) – Aeropostale
Triangle Body Shape
The triangle body shape looks most balanced in styles that emphasize the top half and streamline the bottom half. Halter shapes are flattering in triangle body shapes as they create more curves up top, and boy shorts can work on the bottom for extra coverage.
Four cute bikinis for triangle-shaped girls:
Product Information (left to right): String Bikini Top ($12.50) and String Bikini Bottom ($12.50) – oldnavy.com, Color Block Hipster Top ($12.50) and Color Block Hipster Bottom ($12.50) – oldnavy.com, Billabong Isabella Top ($34.99) and Cynthia Bottom ($37.99) – Tilly’s, Rip Curl I Feel The Love Top ($37.99) and Bottom ($33.99) – Tilly’s
Inverted Triangle Body Shape
Ladies with inverted triangle body shapes need extra support on top – that means no bandeaus, tiny triangle tops, or ultra thin fabrics! Inverted triangle shapes can also pull of skimpier bikini bottoms than most women, and should look for styles that draw attention to the bottom half while balancing out the top.
My picks for some budget-friendly bikinis for inverted triangle shapes:
Product Information (left to right): Rip Curl Love N Surf Bikini Top ($30) and Bottom ($28) – Pacsun.com, Push Up Bikini Top ($20) and Ruch Side Bikini Pant ($16) – TopShop, Underwire Bikini Top ($12.50) and Bikini Bottom ($12.50) – oldnavy.com, Halter Bikini Top ($11.95) and Side-Tie Bottom ($11.95) – American Eagle
Rectangular Body Shape
The rectangular body shape can sometimes look boyish, so feminine styles with ties and ruffles are essential to create extra curves and draw the eye to all the right areas. Rectangles don’t need to do the mix and match thing – matching tops and bottoms show off a proportional frame.
Here are some cute bikinis for rectangular-shaped girls:
Product Information (left to right): Plaid Pique String Bikini Top ($12.50) and Bottom ($12.50) – oldnavy.com, Anchor Applique Bikini ($50) – TopShop, Billabong Mya Triangle Top ($39.50) and Darlene Side Tie Bottom ($38) – Pacsun.com, Gingham Bow Pushup Bikini ($50) – TopShop
These are just some examples of adorable and flattering bikinis to get your inspiration going. There are tons of cute options out there right now, and many are even on clearance right this second! Good luck with your bikini shopping and check back soon for more on affordable summer fashion.
